SDPD calls fatal collision with bicyclist an 'unfortunate accident'

San Diego police officers and accident investigators lean a bicycle against the patrol car that was involved in a fatal collision in the University City intersection of Genesee Avenue and Governor Drive at about 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. They were trying to determine the point of impact. (Howard Lipin / Union-Tribune)

San Diego police officers and accident investigators lean a bicycle against the patrol car that was involved in a fatal collision in the University City intersection of Genesee Avenue and Governor Drive at about 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. They were trying to determine the point of impact. (Howard Lipin / Union-Tribune)

San Diego Police say the death of a 63-year-old bicyclist who collided with a police patrol car Monday morning was an accident, prompted by the bicyclist’s abrupt left turn into the path of the car.

“It was an unfortunate accident,” said traffic Detective Dan Wall.

Authorities have not identified the bicyclist but said he is from San Diego and was an avid biker on a routine morning ride through University City.

Authorities said the bicyclist turned out of a gas station parking lot and headed south in the bike lane of Genesee Avenue at about 7:15 a.m. Then, police say, he crossed a lane and collided with the patrol car, about 40 feet north of the intersection at Governor Drive.

The patrol car, which was responding to another accident, was traveling under the speed limit of 45 mph, Wall said.

The officer works patrol for the Northern Division and has been with the police department for 18 months. His name will be released tomorrow, police said. He has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete, which is routine.

Police say the officer did not have his lights and sirens on. He was not injured in the collision.

Debris was scattered about in the busy intersection and the windshield of the patrol car was caved in and shattered on the right side. One of the patrol car’s lights was also broken in the crash.

The man had been riding a white bike and was wearing a red helmet and vest with reflective patches. The helmet came off in the collision. He died at the scene.